Debra Ann Bridges (Debbie to all who knew her) joined her Savior on Feb. 4, having lived a beautiful and giving life. Her love of the Lord inspired her to serve her family, community and church with energy and selflessness. She loved life and loved to help her family and all around her enjoy each moment to the fullest.
Debbie married her high school sweetheart, Kelly, in 1970 and spent the next 43 years living the life of a Virtuous Woman (Proverbs 31;10-31). She spent the majority of their marriage as a homemaker where she created an inviting atmosphere of warmth and love for her family and guests. She used hospitality, mostly through her delicious cooking, to minister to those around her. She was a very loving and devoted wife to Kelly and an amazing mother to her two children, Amee and Rory.
Her hands were always busy. She loved to work in her garden, care for all of her many animals on the farm, and she enjoyed creating through countless arts and crafts and projects on her sewing machine. Most of these projects, were for her many nieces and nephew that she adored, her children, and most recently her four grandchildren that she would do anything for, Ethan and Anna, Aven and Paxton.
Above all, her favorite thing to do on Earth, was give praise to our Heavenly Father through singing. She loved singing in the church choir, with her two sisters, Sandy and Pam, on long walks in the woods, or just simply humming praise songs while cooking in the kitchen. She reminded all who knew her that every moment is an opportunity to give God praise, through song or a thoughtful deed. She is survived by her husband, Kelly; her children, Amee Minge and husband, Justin, West Plains, and their two children, Ethan and Anna, Rory Bridges and wife, Lexi, Nixa, and their two children, Aven and Paxton. She is also survived by her two sisters, Sandy Collins and Pam Wolfe.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Nelle, and brother, Stephen Wolfe.
A Celebration of Life service for Debbie will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at West Plains First Baptist Church. Family night will also be at First Baptist (South Campus) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14. All services will be under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc., West Plains.
In lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the Christian radio station, 88.3 The Wind, 2550-100 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield, MO 65807, phone 417-889-0883, or send directly to Carter Funeral Home in West Plains
February 11, 2014 @ 10:34 am
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Debbie was an angel here on earth, and is now one in heaven rejoicing with our Lord. We are praying for you all.
February 12, 2014 @ 4:23 am
Having been classmates with Amee from K-12th grade, I’ve known this sweet lady practically my whole life. I spent many days/nights at their home and will always remember how loving and kind she was to everyone. I remember her fresh waffles that she would make for all of us girls who would spend the night for a slumber party & what fun she would be. She was always making crafts and would give them as gifts to us – I still have the graduation bear she made for each one of the Richards 8th grade graduating classmates of 1988. She was a SUPER-MOM, attending all the school functions, hosting room parties, etc. No matter when or where you would run into her – she always greeted you with that gorgeous smile and a hug. She loved everyone in her life and set forth a beautiful example for us all to follow. I have no doubts that she has received her crown of jewels and a robe of white and is rejoicing in the presence of our Lord. I pray that the Lord will give the family strength and comfort during this time. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you all. She will be greatly missed and always remembered!
February 15, 2014 @ 8:28 am
So very sorry to hear about Debbie. I remember how
special she was and always had a smile when
you’d see her.
Prayers with you and your family
Kim(Kissinger)Nolen